Ford has added the 1.0-litre, three-cylinder Ecoboost engine to the Ford Fiesta, Britain's biggest-selling car, as part of a series of mid-life changes.

Also new to the Fiesta, launched at the Paris motor show, is a refreshed exterior look, a new 1.5-litre diesel engine and the addition of Ford’s new Sync multimedia system to a lengthier options list.

The 1.0-litre Ecoboost engine will be available with 99bhp and 118bhp power outputs, with Ford expecting best-in-class fuel economy. Sub-100g/km CO2 emissions are expected, as is combined economy around the 70mpg mark. A lower-powered version of the three-cylinder engine is expected some time after launch.

The 1.5-litre diesel engine from the Ford B-Max will be offered with 74bhp from launch. Eventually, this engine is expected to be offered with a wide range of power outputs and will replace the current 1.4 and 1.6 diesels in Ford’s line-up.

Four other petrol engines will also be available from launch for the standard model. A 1.0-litre unit producing 79bhp, a 104bhp 1.6 and two variants of 1.25-litre engine producing 59bhp and 81bhp will be offered. Diesel choices are limited to a 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi with power outputs of 94bhp and 148lb ft of torque.

The other major powertrain addition to the revised Fiesta line-up is the 177bhp 1.6-litre Ecoboost unit for the new ST. The Fiesta ST is the only version to undergo any chassis changes; the standard Fiestas will carry over unchanged from before.

The ST, revealed at the Geneva motor show last March, previewed much of the styling changes the standard Fiesta range has now received.

Martin Smith, Ford of Europe’s design chief, describes the latest Fiesta as having a more sophisticated look, but one that stills looks fresh and sporty.

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Styling changes are most prominent at the front, where there is a larger trapezoidal grille, more dramatically shaped headlights with LED daytime running lights, and a ‘power dome’ bonnet.

Interior styling changes are less prominent, with the biggest difference being revised switchgear for the centre console.

While the look of the cabin doesn’t stray too far from that of the previous Fiesta, equipment levels are given a lift with the option of Ford’s Sync multimedia system. First introduced in Europe with the B-Max, Sync is a voice-activated system that allows drivers to make calls and access mobile devices wirelessly.

Other new additions to the Fiesta include Active City Stop, which slows the car automatically if it detects an impending accident, and the MyKey system.

The Style, Zetec and Titanium trim levels will be available with Ford’s ECOnetic Technology, which delivers emissions of 87g/km CO2 and up to 85.6mpg. A six-speed Powershift transmission will be available for the updated Fiesta.

The range-topping Titanium X trim level includes a key free system, a partial leather interior and a DAB radio as standard.

Deliveries of the revised Fiesta officially commence in the UK on 1 January. Deliveries of the revised Fiesta officially commence in the UK on 1 January. Prices will range from £9,795 to £17,545.

Mark Tisshaw/Jim Holder

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the ecoboost triple should be a popular choice if its priced right, and will probably be a pretty decent car. Afterall, if the engine works quite well in a Focus, the lower weight of the Fiesta should make it quite fun.

But I do wonder why stylists feel the need to facelift a car, and make it worse, just like Fiat did with the Grande Punto a few years ago. If you cant make it better, leave it alone!

Fiesta!!, sorry, too much Black Coffee, anyway, here's another nip and tuck car, will sell by the transporter load, like a mini Aston?, now who did that i wonder?, anyway, Ford, just make em a wee bit cheaper, so we can afford them.

Fiesta!!, sorry, too much Black Coffee, anyway, here's another nip and tuck car, will sell by the transporter load, like a mini Aston?, now who did that i wonder?, anyway, Ford, just make em a wee bit cheaper, so we can afford them.

I agree, the Fiesta's agreat little car even in poverty spec 1.25 (drove one as a courtesy car recently), but it's overpriced compared to rivals. Fitment of the 1.0 eco-boost is a good thing as far as I'm concerned as I've never been a fan of diesels in small cars, even better that they're going to an entry level 3pot too again so long as they don't over charge for it.

I think the Fiesta is one of the best looking cars in it's class, and certainly better than a large majority of cars on the market. This update isn't too bad either, could have been a lot worse. I like the front, but why have they changed the rear lights? They look like they were updated simply because they can.